Academic Programs
The Special Education program prepares teachers to meet a complex array of learning needs for students with disabilities through coursework and experiences with assessment and research-based instructional strategies. All students take a core set of courses in special education designed to give an overview of the field, types of disabilities, effective interventions, and current issues. Since reading difficulties are frequent among students in special education, students complete a series of courses designed to give a strong foundation in literacy development and effective reading instruction.
Additionally, extensive coursework in behavioral disorders and intervention gives a strong foundation in how to effectively work with students with behavioral difficulties. Throughout the program, much discussion is devoted to understanding how to provide appropriate services to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Transition services and secondary special education is also a strong component of the program. Blending coursework in the areas of special education and literacy, the program is designed specifically for educators to work with students with the greatest learning needs.
Because of the advanced nature of the programs, in most cases applicants must hold a Washington State teaching certificate and have at least two years of full-time K-12 teaching experience. Exceptions can be made for those applicants who wish to earn the M.Ed. or Ed.S. degree but who do not have a teaching certificate and do NOT plan to teach in K-12 schools. However, in order to earn the primary Washington state teaching endorsement in special education, an applicant must already hold a Washington state teaching certificate.